The Importance of Stories...

Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables~ Matthew 13:34 NLT

I love to read, but I’m a bit snobbish about how I read what I read. When it comes to books, I’m partial to the real deal. A Kindle or tablet will do in a pinch, but they just don’t provide the same experience as an actual book.

I love the weight of a book in my hands, the texture of the pages as I turn them, the musty aroma of yellowing pages, the sturdiness of the binding as I hold it. Little else in life can beat the simple yet profound sense of satisfaction I get as I slowly turn the pages and approach the end of a really good book.

I become emotionally attached to the books I read and find it nearly intolerable to part with a good one. It feels wrong to let them go—almost as if I’m abandoning an old friend. Because of my weird attachment issues to books I have a lot of them lying around my house. This leads to some really stimulating conversations with first-time visitors. Occasionally I have one that goes something like this…

Visitor: I see that you like to read. What are some of your favorite books?

Me: Hmm… There are so many, it’s hard to pick a favorite. I guess I’d have to say almost anything by Francine Rivers, Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, The Body by Chuck Colson, Making Peace by Jim Van Yperen, Animal Farm by George Orwell, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, commentaries by William Barclay, Frankenstein by Mary Shelly...  

Visitor: I’ve never heard of some of those titles… Are they fiction books? (The word fiction is murmured in the same hushed tone one might say the word pornography)  

Me: Yes, some of them are fiction.

Visitor: (Proudly and piously) I never read fiction.

I don’t say much at this point in the conversation, but I do end up thinking that this poor soul must live a gloomy and colorless existence. 

Shunning fiction has become a badge of honor in some circles. Many view reading stories as a self-indulgent and intellectually dubious use of reading time. Those who shun fiction believe the acquisition of knowledge is the only legitimate reason to read anything.

I beg to differ with my story-snubbing friends. A well-told tale has the power to help us define what it means to be truly human, dream beyond our little corner of the world, and expand our sense of purpose in this world. Good stories enable us to appreciate and embrace other people, stimulate us to become better versions of ourselves and demonstrate with razor-sharp effectiveness the dangers of evil and sin.

 God clearly and succinctly commands men and women to avoid adultery and covetousness in Deuteronomy twenty. However, it’s the sordid tale of David’s dalliance with Bathsheba and the resulting consequences that drive the wisdom of the commandment home.

One of the principal explanations as to why fiction has gotten such a bad rap in recent years is because there is so much poorly written fiction (including some Christian fiction). Bad fiction is any story with a weak plot or that appeals to our sinful nature and baser instincts. Bad fiction offers empty amusement, titillates without teaching, and oversimplifies complex issues. A good fictional story causes us think, inspires us to action, and changes the way we look at the world. 

Many Christians confuse a good story with a clean story. If it doesn’t have a sex scene or any gratuitous violence it must be good. A good story does more than avoid sinful plotlines. It has a redemptive thread running through it. A good story opens the mind and makes people think.

 One of the better, more redemptive books, I have read in recent years was The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. It is not a Christian novel by any means, but the characters are rich and complex and the writer does a fantastic job of showcasing the best and worst of the human race. The cleverly told story demonstrates the beauty of selflessness, communicates the power of written words, clarifies the ugliness of unrestrained power and inspires the reader to desire a better and nobler existence in this world.   

  

I am fully convinced that God loves a really good story. Nearly half of the Old Testament and much of the New (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts) are told in narrative form. God understands that humanity connects at much deeper, more personal level with stories than with commands and instructions.

If you are one who proudly shuns the reading of fiction I want to challenge you to find a really good book and read it. It might just teach you something new, deepen your understanding of the world and inspire you dream big dreams.  

A Reader's Question~

 Dear Readers,

From time to time one of my readers will send me a question. The question I received recently was so interesting and relevant that, after some thought, I decided to answer it via my blog.

Lisa

This question came from a reader in Washington State who wishes to remain anonymous.

 Lisa,

Do you believe marijuana should be legalized and do you think Christians should smoke marijuana if it is legal?  

Dear Anonymous Reader,

Good question, and one that needs to be asked in today’s political and ethical climate. I do not believe marijuana should be legalized for recreational use. Here are my top nine reasons for not legalizing marijuana….

1.    More children will have access to marijuana if it’s legalized.

Currently, thirty percent of American youth use marijuana, if marijuana is legalized it is likely that more teens will try it. Nobody in their right mind believes more teenagers should smoke pot.

2.    Marijuana use hurts adolescents.

 Marijuana use in teen-agers has been linked to poor academic performance, mental health problems including everything from depression to psychosis, higher dropout rates, higher levels of sexual activity, and higher levels of criminal behavior. (Bryan et al, 2012) (Dougherty et al, 2013)

3.    Marijuana use hurts adults.

The long-term effects of marijuana use by adults has been linked to memory problems, depression, anxiety, poor job performance, higher rates of unemployment, and an increased risk of lung cancer. (WebMD.org)

4.    There is no evidence that legalization will save money.

Proponents of legalization point out that it costs taxpayers billions every year to imprison drug users. Rather than legalizing marijuana to deal with this issue, laws should be reformed to end the practice of incarcerating drug users. The money saved should be used to go after the criminals who distribute and sell drugs. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that alcohol use costs America 223.5 billion dollars annually (CDC website). That number includes the cost of health care related to alcohol use, traffic accidents, violent crime involving alcohol; injuries caused by alcohol and the cost of alcohol treatment programs. If marijuana is legalized it will likely increase the number of traffic accidents, crimes committed, as well as the number of people who need treatment programs. As a nation we cannot afford the high price of legalizing another intoxicating and potentially addicting substance.

5.    If marijuana is legalized, usage will increase.

Anytime a substance is legalized, public use of it surges. Contrary to popular belief, alcohol use decreased 30-50 percent during prohibition.

6.    Marijuana has been proven to be addictive and nobody benefits from addiction.

7.    The medical benefits of marijuana use do not justify recreational use.

Marijuana does have legitimate medical uses but that does not automatically mean it should be used recreationally. Oxycodone is an example of a drug that has a legitimate medical use but is extremely harmful when used recreationally. Marijuana use should be reserved only for those with sincere medical needs.

8.    There is no known social benefit to legalizing marijuana.

Adults who demand the right to use a drug that has been proven harmful to society in general and youth in particular are not mature, nor are they looking out for the best interests of society.

9.     Marijuana use is difficult to detect.

It is a clear fact that marijuana significantly impairs judgment and ability to function. Its use is difficult to detect with current drug tests. If marijuana is legalized more people will use it, and employers will have few ways to detect whether or not their employees are high. Do you want your child’s bus driver to be under the influence of marijuana while he or she is driving your child to school?

Now, in response to the second half your question, I do not believe Christians should use marijuana even if it is legal to do so, (as it likely will be) because marijuana is an intoxicant. The Bible expressly forbids Christians from intentional intoxication (Ephesians 5:18, Romans 3:13). Furthermore, the book of Galatians addresses drug use directly. The passage states…

   

Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God~ Galatians 5:19-21 NASB

The word for sorcery in this passage is the Greek pharmakeia.  Our English word pharmacy is derived from this Greek word. Pharmakeia means to use or take drugs. In the ancient world, magic and intoxicating drugs were closely associated, which is why pharmakeia was translated as sorcery in this passage. This passage is giving a list of behaviors that can disqualify one from entering the Kingdom of God, and the use of intoxicating drugs makes the list. It seems to be a pretty good reason for Christians not to use drugs for the purpose of intoxication.

However, if you need more reasons I have them: using drugs is a behavior that could potentially lead others astray spiritually and morally. First Corinthians chapter eight forbids Christians from participating in any behavior that could “cause a weaker brother to stumble.” Recreational drug use can lead to addiction. A person who has become addicted to a substance has surely “stumbled” spiritually. The person who causes another person to stumble bears some responsibility for their choices (Matthew 18:6).    

Lastly, avoiding marijuana use has to do with stewardship. Drugs are expensive and a poor use of God-given resources.  As Christians we believe that every resource we have is a gift from God and should be used to glorify God. We cannot glorify God while intoxicated or with money we used to get intoxicated.       

What Leads You?

 Those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God~ Romans 8:14 NIV

We have a new member of the Price family. She came to us in early December after our dog Chloe died of a sad combination of old age and overfeeding. Chloe was mostly my dog and after her death I was heartbroken. My husband, who hates to see me miserable or suffering, found Mollie Mae and brought her home.

 For the most part Mollie has been a delightful addition to our family. She’s a charming little thing with floppy black ears, bulgy eyes, and an adorably smushy face. It astonishes me that a dog who weighs in at twelve pounds has so quickly stolen our hearts and taken control of our household. Mollie is not only adorable—she is also a wickedly smart, cuddly little terrorist with some serious control issues.

 Mollie’s antics have earned her the nickname Mollie Mayhem. Our eleven-year-old pug, Bruno, is appalled by her conduct. He will find me and bark until I go and check up on her. When I find her, she is invariably up to no good. She poops where she pleases, chews on anything and everything she finds (including people) has no regard for personal boundaries and has taken custody of all the stuffed animals in the house.

Thankfully, we’ve had a couple of breakthroughs over the past weeks where we’ve seen a sweeter, calmer, more submissive Mollie beginning to emerge from the egotism of puppyhood.

 The new Mollie tends to show up at random intervals when her desire to please us overwhelms her baser instincts. Watching the new Mollie materialize got me thinking about the power of what leads us.

Dogs are instinctual creatures that can only be guided by one of two things: their physical drives (instincts) or a longing to please the humans around them. People, on the other hand, make choices and form beliefs based on all sorts of different yearnings and needs.

The majority of people appear to be led primarily by one of two factors: popular opinion or emotions. Christian people are designed to be led by the Spirit of God but are often led by a dangerous combination of God, emotions and popular opinion.    

 Whatever leads us ultimately defines us. It molds us into its image, radically affecting how we live our lives, treat the people around us, interpret information and respond to difficulty, stress and pain.

Popular opinion is a dangerous leader for Christians because opinions are always changing and evolving. The accepted beliefs and opinions of a decade ago may no longer be recognized as truth today or a year from today. When we allow the-ever evolving opinions of the masses to lead our decision-making we will inevitably live lives marked by unrelenting doubt and anxiety. We will doubt God, the Bible and our own ability to make sound decisions. Any time a Christian is led chiefly by popular opinion they end up becoming the embodiment of the man or woman described in James 1:6b…

The one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

Emotions are another common driver that can mislead a Christian. Feelings are powerful, fickle, deceptive and a dangerous thing to be led by. Unfettered emotion will quickly and easily reject the voices of reason God has placed in our lives. Emotions can hoodwink us into believing that we are justified in what we are doing or believing even when conscience, reason and the word of God argue otherwise.

The merging of emotion and popular opinion is perhaps the most toxic of all for Christians who wish to be led by the Spirit. A careful study of history will show that in eras when Christians have blindly bought into popular opinion and emotional propaganda, evil and foolishness have flourished.

Being led by the Spirit is not easy. It requires a commitment to continuous self-examination, a pursuit of holiness, passion for Scripture and willingness to repent when wrong. In return for our sacrifice we are given abundant life, freedom from fear, peace in midst of turmoil, and the title of sons and daughters of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law~ Galatians 5:22-23 ESV 

Three Parenting Trends Christians Should Avoid

 Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord~ Psalm 34:11

Last week, while waiting to go through security at the Phoenix airport, I witnessed something weird. It’s probably not what you think.

My attention was drawn to the neighboring security line when I heard a woman’s voice repeating softly and sweetly—and then more loudly and frantically—“No, thank you,” “No, thank you.”

I’m not generally all that curious early in the morning, but this captured my interest. I scanned the adjacent line and tried to figure out what was making her repeat “No, thank you” so hysterically.

Then I noticed a cute little boy, maybe three years old, running gleefully down the security line, ramming his head into the back of random passengers’ legs. The lucky ones saw him coming and dodged his attack. The rest had bruises to attend when he was through with them.

The boy’s Mother stood helplessly by as her adorable little thug assaulted clueless bystanders. I was baffled as to why an apparently intelligent woman would stand by and say no thank you to a child who was attacking strangers. Seizing the child, restraining him and reprimanding his rudeness seemed to me a more sensible and effective solution to his terrorist-like tactics.

  Then I recalled a child development class my daughter took in high school. The instructor (a very nice woman with a Masters degree) taught the students that it’s damaging to tell young children “no.” Instead, they should be told “no thank you” in order to preserve their fragile self-worth.  When my daughter told me about her teacher’s theory I rolled my eyes and casually dismissed it as a passing fad accepted only in the world of academia.

Apparently this ridiculous fad has caught on in the real world. I found several websites dedicated to “positive parenting” that encouraged the use of this technique with young children. A Christian friend with young children confirmed that many parents—even some Christian parents—embrace this parenting trend.

I don’t pretend to know everything there is to know about parenting. I do know enough to tell you that some of the ideas being floated around by experts are just plain crazy. Today I will highlight three crazy trends every Christian parent should run away from…

 

 Experts Know Best Parenting~

The abundance of experts who hold advanced degrees in phycology, theology, education and medicine has caused some parents to doubt their own ability make sound decisions. This has resulted in many parents outsourcing instruction and parenting decisions to teachers, pastors, doctors and psychologists. Expert advice can be helpful, but at the end of the day experts are people. People make mistakes, are sometimes misguided or just plain wrong, and don’t always know what’s best for every child in every situation. Wise and discerning parents seek an abundance of human counsel (Proverbs 11:14) and prayerfully consider all the options before they (not the experts) make decisions that might have long-term physical, academic, moral, or spiritual consequences for their child.

Teacup Parenting~

Teacup parents believe that children are fragile and need to be protected from the losses and disappointments that are a natural part of life. Children do need to be protected from harmful people and philosophies, but not from the reality that life is sometimes hard. We need to help children understand that no one will be successful at everything they attempt. In order to become healthy, functional adults kids need to learn that sometimes they will get hurt, lose or fail. We need to let life teach kids that getting hurt rarely kills them, and losing or failing doesn’t make them unlovable and it doesn’t have to define them.

Positive Parenting~ 

Positive parenting sounds great. After all, who wants to be a negative, nasty parent? Proponents of this philosophy teach that discipline is destructive and that children should be affirmed in every situation. This sort of thinking is well intentioned but dangerously misguided. This viewpoint flies in the face of biblical instruction (Proverbs 6:23,12:1, 12:24,22:6, 22:15, Ephesians 6:4, Hebrews 12:5-10, Hebrews 12:11) and if followed is destined to produce foolish adults and heartbroken parents (Proverbs 17:5). Kids need firm boundaries and loving correction; affirmation should be reserved for times when their behavior is worthy of it.

  Good parenting is not just about making kids comfortable, happy or popular with other children, and it is certainly not about having your kids like you right now. Good parenting is about making kids capable, responsible, well mannered, godly and likeable to other people.

 The greatest tragedy of the scene I witnessed in the airport was that none of the adults in the airport liked the cute little guy involved. It’s not the child’s fault; he was too young to know better. It’s not the fault of the adults in the airport; no one should expect to be assaulted while traveling. The fault lies entirely with his Mother for not making him behave in a way that makes him likeable to other people.

 Parents get it all wrong when they take a short view of the parenting process and forget that their cute little kids will not stay little forever. Kids become adults, and what kind of adult they grow into is almost entirely dependent on what type of training they receive when they are small.

 Every parenting philosophy or choice should be evaluated not on the basis of ease, or whether or not it makes kids happy now, but on whether or not it makes them holy, responsible, well-mannered and likable people when it really matters.   

  Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged~ Colossians 3:20-21